Chandrayaan 2 the Mysteries of the Lunar World

1. EDUCATION Chandrayaan 2 the Mysteries of the Lunar World   BY MOHIT-KUMAR-SHARMA JUL 21, 2023 11:36  Introduction In 2019, India's ambitious space agency, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), set its sights on the moon once again with Chandrayaan 2. This landmark mission aimed to explore the uncharted territories of the lunar south pole and make significant scientific discoveries. Chandrayaan 2 was a remarkable display of India's

2. expertise, authority, and trust in the field of space exploration. In this article, we delve into the details of Chandrayaan 2, from its objectives to the remarkable findings it brought to light. Chandrayaan 2: The Journey Begins Chandrayaan 2 was launched on July 22, 2019, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, India. The mission comprised three key components: the Orbiter, the Vikram Lander, and the Pragyan Rover. Together, these components worked in tandem to explore the moon's surface and study its geological composition, making India the fourth country to achieve a soft landing on the lunar surface. The Objectives of Chandrayaan 2 1. Understanding Lunar Topography: The mission sought to extensively map the lunar surface to understand its topography and variations in the terrain. 2. Water Ice Detection: One of the primary objectives was to detect the presence of water ice on the moon, which could be a valuable resource for future lunar missions. 3. Mineralogical Analysis: Chandrayaan 2 aimed to conduct a detailed study of minerals and elements present on the lunar surface. 4. Lander-Rover Interaction: The mission aimed to demonstrate the communication and mobility capabilities of the Lander and Rover. The Significance of Exploring the Lunar South Pole The south pole of the moon was the chosen destination for Chandrayaan 2 for several reasons. Unlike the relatively well-explored lunar equator, the south pole offered vast expanses of uncharted territory. The region also houses permanently shadowed craters that are believed to contain water ice and other volatile compounds. These resources could be invaluable for sustaining future human settlements on the moon and even for enabling deeper space exploration.

3. The Orbiter: Eyes in the Sky The Orbiter was the backbone of the Chandrayaan 2 mission, designed to orbit the moon and conduct remote observations. Its suite of sophisticated instruments enabled high-resolution imaging and spectroscopic analysis of the lunar surface. The Orbiter played a crucial role in supporting the Vikram Lander and Pragyan Rover during their mission on the moon's surface. The Vikram Lander: A Nerve-Wracking Descent 1. Soft Landing Attempt: Vikram Lander's main objective was to perform a controlled and precise soft landing on the moon's surface. 2. Anomaly During Descent: Unfortunately, during the final stages of descent, communication with the Vikram Lander was lost, and it crash-landed on the lunar surface. 3. Partial Success: Despite the setback, the mission was considered a partial success, as the Orbiter continued to provide valuable data from its orbit. The Pragyan Rover: Exploring the Moon's Surface 1. Lunar Mobility: The Pragyan Rover was designed to move across the lunar surface, conducting in-situ experiments. 2. An Abrupt End: Tragically, the Rover's mission was cut short when the Vikram Lander lost communication. 3. Valuable Contributions: However, during its brief operational period, the Rover provided crucial data about the lunar soil and surface conditions. Discoveries and Findings 1. Water Ice Confirmed:Chandrayaan 2's findings confirmed the presence of water ice in the permanently shadowed regions of the lunar south pole. 2. Lunar Exosphere: The mission's orbiter discovered the existence of a tenuous exosphere on the moon.

4. 3. Mapping of Minerals: Chandrayaan 2's instruments provided detailed maps of various minerals on the lunar surface. 4. Helium-3: The mission also detected traces of helium-3, a potential fuel for future fusion reactors. The Future of Lunar Exploration Chandrayaan 2 opened the door to exciting possibilities for future lunar exploration. The discoveries made during this mission have paved the way for upcoming lunar missions, including India's Chandrayaan 3, which aims to succeed where Chandrayaan 2 faced challenges. FAQs Q: How long did Chandrayaan 2's Orbiter function? A: The Orbiter, which continues to orbit the moon, has an expected operational life of around 7.5 years. Q: Did Chandrayaan 2's crash-landing affect its scientific contributions? A: Despite the Vikram Lander's unfortunate outcome, the Orbiter's ongoing mission yielded valuable scientific data. Q: Can water ice on the moon support human colonization? A: Yes, water ice could potentially be converted into water and oxygen, crucial for sustaining human settlements. Q: How does the discovery of helium-3 benefit space exploration? A: Helium-3 is a promising fuel for fusion reactors, which could one day power spacecraft for interplanetary travel. Q: Will Chandrayaan 2's findings influence international lunar missions? A: Absolutely, Chandrayaan 2's discoveries have already inspired and influenced future international lunar missions. Q: What are the future plans for lunar exploration after Chandrayaan 2? A: India's Chandrayaan 3 and several other missions by different countries are in the pipeline for further lunar exploration.

5. Conclusion Chandrayaan 2 remains a testament to India's prowess in space exploration and its commitment to unraveling the mysteries of the cosmos. Despite the challenges faced during the mission, the knowledge gained from Chandrayaan 2 has significantly contributed to our understanding of the moon's enigmatic south pole. As the world gears up for more lunar exploration, the discoveries made by Chandrayaan 2 will continue to guide and inspire future missions. The quest to explore the universe is an endeavor that unites humanity in its pursuit of knowledge and discovery. ALSO READ Islamic New Year A Sacred and Celebratory Occasion - This Year Educate Yourself and Develop Your Skill with EasyShiksha Online Courses with Certificate - Authorised certificate recognized everywhere TAGS:CHANDRAYAAN 2CHANDRAYAAN 2 LAUNCHING DATELUNAR EXPLORATIONMOON MISSIONINDIAN SPACE RESEARCH ORGANISATIONISROORBITERVIKRAM LANDERPRAGYAN ROVERLUNAR SURFACE MAPPINGWATER MOLECULES ON THE MOONSPACE EXPLORATIONLUNAR COMPOSITIONSPACE HISTORYSPACE MISSIONSSPACE